It's truly amazing what article writing can do. After you've been doing it long enough, readers will get feeling they know you.

There's not much chance of that happening from running an ad. An ad is just one of many and gives no clue as to who you are.

The fourth reason I gave for writing articles was, "Most marketers won't do it."

If you're serious about your business and branding yourself, there is one thing you should realize. You have to start thinking out of box.

Become a contrarian. Learn what everybody is doing, and then start doing what they are not.

You're a unique individual and you don't have to follow herd. Birds of a feather may flock together, but brave eagle flies alone.

Get in habit of writing and submitting articles and hopefully, next article I read will be yours.

Looking at back issues of journals and magazines where you wish to submit is a good idea. By seeing what sorts of materials have run there before, you have a better chance of writing something that they might be looking for.

It is highly suggested by some editors to send a query letter before submitting actual article. This is especially true if you are wanting to send to exclusive print journals. Keep in mind that this query is much like a sales letter with your editor as a prospect. Always be professional, do your research, state your credentials, and edit, edit, edit.

If publication allows, use a resource box at end of article. This is longer than a byline and gives reader much more information about you, including your contact info in case they would like to use your business. The resource box usually brings in more response than an ad would, because your article has established your authority on subject.